While most of the automotive world is racing toward electrification, Lamborghini is choosing a different path. The Italian marque, known for its roaring V12s and head-turning designs, is listening closely to its customers. According to CEO Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini has the ability to produce a fully electric supercar, but enthusiasts are pushing back against the idea. Instead, they continue to demand internal combustion engines that deliver raw sound and visceral performance.
This stance has led Lamborghini to delay, and in some cases cancel, its plans for all-electric models. Instead, the company is focusing on hybrids such as the Temerario, Revuelto, and Urus SE.
Customers Reject the Silent Supercar
Winkelmann admits Lamborghini could easily engineer a high-performance electric car. However, customers are not asking for one. In his words, “It’s not about what we are able to do, it’s about fulfilling the dreams of customers. The customers want internal combustion engines.”
The resistance is strongest in the supercar segment. While mainstream adoption of EVs has slowed globally, the decline in enthusiasm is even sharper among luxury buyers. These clients value the roar of a naturally aspirated V12 over the silence of an electric drivetrain.
Summary Table
Key Point |
Details |
|---|---|
CEO |
Stephan Winkelmann |
Stance on EVs |
Customers prefer ICE; full EVs postponed |
Current Strategy |
Focus on hybrids (Temerario, Revuelto, Urus SE) |
Fenomeno |
$3.5M V12, 823 hp, limited to 29 units (sold out) |
Tariffs |
27.5% currently; partial costs passed to buyers |
Market Trend |
Post-COVID YOLO sales peak; now plateauing |
Future Direction |
Continue ICE as long as legal, expand hybrids |
Official Website |
The Role of Hybrids
Although full electrification has been delayed, Lamborghini is not ignoring regulations or environmental concerns. The brand has introduced plug-in hybrids that combine performance with lower emissions.
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Temerario – Successor to the Huracán, sold out until 2026.
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Revuelto – A hybrid V12 supercar with orders fully booked.
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Urus SE – An electrified version of Lamborghini’s popular SUV.
Plug-in hybrid systems allow Lamborghini to satisfy regulators while also giving customers more power and performance. Winkelmann stresses that the hybrids are “working perfectly,” offering improved output and reduced CO2 emissions without losing the brand’s identity.
The Fenomeno: A Celebration of the V12
At The Quail in Carmel, California, Lamborghini unveiled the Fenomeno, a $3.5 million special edition model. Powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 producing 823 horsepower, only 29 units will be delivered to customers, with one reserved for the company museum. Unsurprisingly, every unit was sold before its debut.
Limiting production maintains exclusivity and residual values, reinforcing Lamborghini’s strategy of rarity and collectability.
Tariffs and Global Challenges
Apart from electrification debates, Lamborghini faces challenges from global trade policies. The Trump administration’s tariffs on imported cars impacted the brand’s pricing strategy. Currently, tariffs sit at 27.5%. Lamborghini absorbed most of the cost, passing on only part to customers:
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7% added to the price of Urus and Temerario
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10% added to Revuelto
Winkelmann hopes tariffs will be reduced to 15% in the coming months. He warns that uncertainty is the biggest challenge for a niche global company like Lamborghini.
Market Trends and Sales Outlook
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lamborghini reported record sales, fueled by what Winkelmann calls the “YOLO effect” wealthy buyers rewarding themselves after lockdowns. However, sales began stabilizing in 2024, with a slight decline compared to 2023.
The company expects sales to plateau in the near future, rather than continuing the pandemic-fueled growth. Despite challenges such as chip shortages, tariffs, and shifting Chinese demand, Lamborghini remains confident in its long-term appeal.
Lamborghini’s Future: ICE for Now, Hybrids for Tomorrow
The brand’s philosophy is rooted in authenticity. As long as regulations permit, Lamborghini will continue to build V12 engines. Plug-in hybrids will serve as a bridge to stricter emission standards, allowing the brand to remain innovative while preserving its heritage.
While other manufacturers push hard into electrification, Lamborghini is taking a measured approach. By listening to its clients, the company is ensuring its future cars reflect not just engineering capability, but also the desires of those who buy them.
FAQs
Q1: Will Lamborghini ever launch a fully electric supercar?
A. Not in the near future. The brand has postponed full electrification as customers still demand internal combustion engines.
Q2: What hybrids does Lamborghini currently offer?
A. The Revuelto (V12 hybrid supercar), Urus SE (SUV hybrid), and the upcoming Temerario (Huracán successor).
Q3: Why did Lamborghini build only 29 units of the Fenomeno?
A. Exclusivity maintains value and rarity. One additional unit will remain in Lamborghini’s museum.
Q4: Are tariffs affecting Lamborghini sales in the U.S.?
A. Yes, tariffs are currently 27.5%. Lamborghini is absorbing most costs but passing a portion to customers.
Q5: What are Lamborghini’s sales projections?
A. Sales are expected to plateau after record highs during the COVID-19 period, with steady demand through 2026.
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